Sleep Tips - From Conception to 3 Months

In the first few weeks after birth, babies sleep more on the day and night. Most wake 2 or 3 times during the night for feeds.

Babies have shorter sleep cycles compared adults and they wake-up or stir about every 30-40 minutes.

By the 3rd month or so, many babies will probably have settled into a pattern of longer times awake during the day, and longer sleep times at night. Most will still be waking once or twice during the night for feeds.

Sleeping in the same room with parents is the recommended and safest suggestion I can offer for young babies. Take note though that sharing a bed with a baby has lead to the deaths of some babies.

Secure attachments in infancy are the base for good mental health. A major need for secure attachment is for a parent to respond to infant needs and cues. It is important not to leave your baby to cry. Do not completely immitate what the grandfather did to the baby in the movie, "Meet the Fockers".

Tired signs- sleep cues

• Yawning
• Jerky movements
• Becoming quiet, not wanting to play
• “Grizzling” or fussing
• Rubbing their eyes
• Making a sleepy sound
• Crying
• Facial grimaces i.e. pulling faces
• Clenched fists
• Waving arms and legs about

For more tips and a better understanding on baby sleep, please visit the sleep expert's website.